Other Sport – Your Thurrockhttp://www.yourthurrock.com
Bringing Thurrock to the WorldSat, 17 Feb 2018 17:45:26 +0000en-UShourly1https://wordpress.org/?v=4.6.10Swimming: New coach for Thurrockhttp://www.yourthurrock.com/2014/04/25/swimming-new-coach-for-thurrock/
http://www.yourthurrock.com/2014/04/25/swimming-new-coach-for-thurrock/#respondFri, 25 Apr 2014 08:06:36 +0000http://www.yourthurrock.com/?p=62694Paul brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience and is armed with excellent coaching achievements including producing 50 County swimmers and in excess of 30 Regional swimmers annually; developing over 25 individual national qualifiers, national finalists and semi-finalists and developed squad swimmers who have qualified at the British Championships in 2009 to 2014 including Olympic and Commonwealth Trials.

]]>THURROCK Swimming Club are pleased to announce the appointment of their new full time Head Coach Paul Robbins. Paul joins Thurrock from the London Borough of Redbridge Swimming Club, where he has held the position of Head Swimming Coach for the past eleven years.

During Paul’s time at Redbridge he worked hard to build a successful club with clear development pathways to ensure that every swimmer has had the opportunity to fulfil their potential. In that time he successfully achieved the Top Senior Club in 2009 and 2010 and Relay Teams in Essex 2009, 2010 and 2011. Paul was also successfully been voted in as Essex Swimming Manager in 2012, a position which he still holds currently.

Paul brings with him a wealth of knowledge and experience and is armed with excellent coaching achievements including producing 50 County swimmers and in excess of 30 Regional swimmers annually; developing over 25 individual national qualifiers, national finalists and semi-finalists and developed squad swimmers who have qualified at the British Championships in 2009 to 2014 including Olympic and Commonwealth Trials.

Paul was awarded top coach for disability swimming in 2008-2009 and Coach Educator of the Year in 2011. He had a swimmer selected onto the World Podium Programme for disability swimming in 2013 and has personally trained and supported a Disability Multi World Record Holder.

On a personal note Paul achieved County, District, National and International levels in his swimming career as well as representing England at the English Schools Championships in Ireland. He was also selected to represent Great Britain at the World School Championships.

Paul hopes to join Thurrock as soon as possible, dependent upon his release date from Redbridge, but hopefully within the next month or so and no later than 5th July.

We are looking forward to Paul heading up our coaching and teaching teams and moving Thurrock forward.

]]>http://www.yourthurrock.com/2014/04/25/swimming-new-coach-for-thurrock/feed/0Sport: Aveley ping-pong on songhttp://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/12/16/sport-aveley-ping-pong-on-song/
http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/12/16/sport-aveley-ping-pong-on-song/#commentsMon, 16 Dec 2013 12:19:07 +0000http://www.yourthurrock.com/?p=58962TABLE Tennis has always been popular in Aveley. They have a regular club every Saturday for adults in the morning and for young people in the afternoon.
The afternoon members wanted to play competitively and, as they say, practice makes perfect but they needed some help. As part of the S106 funding given to Aveley Village Community Forum they were able to start professional coaching for the young people.

]]>TABLE Tennis has always been popular in Aveley. They have a regular club every Saturday for adults in the morning and for young people in the afternoon.

The afternoon members wanted to play competitively and, as they say, practice makes perfect but they needed some help. As part of the S106 funding given to Aveley Village Community Forum they were able to start professional coaching for the young people.

The team was officially registered in the Basildon Table Tennis League and competitive matches began. Home matches are on Friday nights and it’s held at Aveley Christian centre; however away matches are at various locations.

The young people have been in the league for over two months now, and have played 11 competitive matches, including a cup draw.

Participation in the league has been a real test for the team as expected, however they’ve stayed positive, and persevered against strong odds.

Their perseverance finally paid off at their recent away match against Canvey C, when the team secured their first draw. They are hoping that they will have many victories in the New Year.

If you live in Aveley and want to find out more then why not pop into the Centre where there is Table Tennis and a lot more to do.

]]>http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/12/16/sport-aveley-ping-pong-on-song/feed/80Thurrock swimmers dedicate Essex Champs to Alanhttp://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/12/03/thurrock-swimmers-dedicate-essex-champs-to-alan/
http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/12/03/thurrock-swimmers-dedicate-essex-champs-to-alan/#respondTue, 03 Dec 2013 13:51:42 +0000http://www.yourthurrock.com/?p=58511SWIMMERS from Thurrock Swimming Club showed their determination to compete at the recent Essex County Junior/Senior Long Course Championships following the sad death of their Head Coach, Alan Mitchell but did him proud by returning home with a bag full of medals.

SWIMMERS from Thurrock Swimming Club showed their determination to compete at the recent Essex County Junior/Senior Long Course Championships following the sad death of their Head Coach, Alan Mitchell but did him proud by returning home with a bag full of medals.

Leading the way for TSC was Azar Aitmarri who won silver for the 200m butterfly and bronzes for the 1500m freestyle and 100m butterfly followed by Martine Tran with silver for the 50m butterfly and bronze for the 50m backstroke. The medal haul was completed with Jay Pilkington with bronzes for both the 200m freestyle and 200m butterfly, Jamie Speers bronze for the 400m freestyle and Andrew Martindale bronze for the 400m individual medley.

]]>http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/12/03/thurrock-swimmers-dedicate-essex-champs-to-alan/feed/0Sports profile: The Thurrock school of Karatehttp://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/11/11/sports-profile-the-thurrock-school-of-karate/
http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/11/11/sports-profile-the-thurrock-school-of-karate/#respondMon, 11 Nov 2013 09:01:53 +0000http://www.yourthurrock.com/?p=57849IF YOU WANT to learn karate with a smile on your face, then The Thurrock School of Karate is the place for you. Rex Ovire is a charismatic practitioner of the art. Then again, we would say that, he is well over six feet and is a black belt!

]]>http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/11/11/sports-profile-the-thurrock-school-of-karate/feed/0Pace Fuelcare helps Goju-Kai win a passage to Indiahttp://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/10/30/pace-fuelcare-helps-goju-kai-win-a-passage-to-india/
http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/10/30/pace-fuelcare-helps-goju-kai-win-a-passage-to-india/#respondWed, 30 Oct 2013 11:40:13 +0000http://www.yourthurrock.com/?p=57523SHIHAN Mark Adams started teaching karate 23 years ago and now has 150 students who train across eight locations in the Thurrock area, including at local schools. With a focus on competing from an early age, Mark has trained local, national and even world champions.

]]>MARTIAL arts enthusiasts at Yamaguchi Goju-Kai Karate Club are a step closer to competing internationally, thanks to a generous donation from local heating oil supplier, Pace Fuelcare.

Shihan Mark Adams started teaching karate 23 years ago and now has 150 students who train across eight locations in the Thurrock area, including at local schools. With a focus on competing from an early age, Mark has trained local, national and even world champions.

Mark plans to continue this success by taking a team of six students, across a range of ages, to the World Championships in India this December.

Pace Fuelcare, located on Riverside Industrial Estate, West Thurrock, donated £300 to Yamaguchi Goju-Kai Karate Club after Mark applied to the company for funding. The donation was made as part of its Sports Bursary scheme, which aims to support sports groups across Thurrock.

Speaking about the donation, Mark said: “These competitions are essential for the students to improve and put the skills they have learnt to the test. However, with flights, accommodation and entry fees, this proves extremely costly.

“We have been raising funds ourselves through events such as quiz nights and discos, but support such as this from Pace Fuelcare is essential to enable us to compete at such a high level.”

Alex Ward, regional manager at Pace Fuelcare, commented: “The Yamaguchi Goju-Kai Karate Club is a real asset to Thurrock, helping encourage local children to get involved in sport while developing key skills such as discipline.

“As a longstanding supplier to the region, providing heating oil and diesel to rural and remote communities, Pace Fuelcare launched its sporting heroes bursary scheme for sports groups across the local area that can struggle for public funding.

“As a local business, it’s important that we give something back to these clubs and are glad that we were able to extend our support to these sometimes overlooked athletes.”

Pace Fuelcare supplies fuels and lubricants to domestic, agricultural and commercial customers throughout London, offering local knowledge, staff and depots, supported by national backup.

]]>http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/10/30/pace-fuelcare-helps-goju-kai-win-a-passage-to-india/feed/0Arena Essex: Orange tribute to legend Terryhttp://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/10/07/arena-essex-orange-tribute-to-legend-terry/
http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/10/07/arena-essex-orange-tribute-to-legend-terry/#respondMon, 07 Oct 2013 11:11:13 +0000http://www.yourthurrock.com/?p=56680The first heat set the tone of the day with a packed grid of cars whittled down in just a handful of laps. The race was brought to a halt with a rollover at each end of the track, Jimmy Andrews doing a spectacular barrel roll on turn one whilst for the second time this season, Sharon Worthington did a lazy roll onto her roof on turn three. At the restart Craig Hook took his first win in the formula.

]]>OVER SEVENTY Rookie Bangers took to the track at Arena Essex on Sunday, all painted orange to pay tribute to the much missed Banger and Hot Rod racer, Terry Skeef.

The first heat set the tone of the day with a packed grid of cars whittled down in just a handful of laps. The race was brought to a halt with a rollover at each end of the track, Jimmy Andrews doing a spectacular barrel roll on turn one whilst for the second time this season, Sharon Worthington did a lazy roll onto her roof on turn three. At the restart Craig Hook took his first win in the formula.

The second half car heat saw an early stoppage as a big pile up claimed Jamie Webb, Sam Watson and Mason Clark, amongst others. At the restart Wayne Londors was thundered into the pit gate causing another brief stoppage. Another restart saw Paul Ring launched off the cars of Jon Barrett and James Warden into an airborne collision with the armco whilst Liam Wells slammed into the wall by the gate, soon to be joined by Ray Rumbold. Chris Whiteman came through for the win.

The consolation started with Alfie Rye slamming the home straight wall and Mark Carroll taking a huge dive at Darren Walton, who did well to control the resulting moment. After a brief stoppage Debbie Taylor was slammed into the wall and took a fair amount of damage before she could escape to the safety of the infield. Paul Chapman took the win.

The Skeefy memorial final started with Sonny Sherwood taking a high speed flight over the inner marker tyres before he recovered to crash Steven Arthur. Tony Abrehart, two years after retiring from the sport, was back to pay tribute to his old friend and team mate Terry Skeef and he was going very well, spinning out Sean Chapman and taking the lead as others fell by the wayside. He rode his luck, getting half spun by Dave Cuffley and tangling with Andy Chapman on the run to the flag, but with an almost simultaneous red flag, due to Tracy Woolner getting on her roof on turn one, it was enough and he was emotional as he picked up the memorial trophy.

With so many cars wanting to contest the Destruction Derby, the whole track was opened up for the event, rather than just the usual pit bend. Predictably cars scattered in all directions at the start and Dave Cuffley took a hard hit from Grant Underhill before he speared back across the track directly in front of Sonny Sherwood. Paul Ring was in good form as he crashed car after car as his own gradually fell apart around him, eventually he burst into flames bringing about another stoppage. Unfortunately the event fell apart at this point with several cars ignoring the red flags and general confusion before an end was called on safety grounds and Wayne Londors was awarded the win.

The Stock Rod Supreme Championship saw Dave Burton hold off Wayne Shackleford for the win. The track strangely seemed to be very slippy off line so when Burton got stuck behind backmarker, Jamie Lee Potter, he was unable to get round him and settled behind him for the last five laps of the race. Ordinarily this should have allowed Shackleford an attempt at a pass but he noticeably lost pace in the final laps, a blown head gasket the later diagnosis. Steve Gooch fought a good race from a long way back on the grid to get into third.

The Terry Skeef memorial final went the way of Ian Jardine, who benefited as the rest of the field tripped over each other in their battle for second place.

Lee West won the Essex Championship in the SuperBangers but was unable to prevent Tommy Parker from taking the overall track points title, with poor reliability once again costing West a clean sweep of race wins earlier in the afternoon.

The remainder of the season is huge at Arena Essex with several major events on the horizon. The first is the Olly Moran All Ford Granada memorial, with an entry of over 200 Granadas on Sunday 20th October causing an overspill event to be scheduled for Saturday evening 19th October. At 6pm on the 19th a select entry of around 40 all Granada Bangers from the reserve list will contest a full meeting with the winner of the final being seeded through to the following afternoons action. The Lightning Rod Supreme Championship and Mini Stox Essex Championship provide support on Saturday night. Meanwhile Sundays all Banger meeting begins at 1:30pm, with drivers from Arena Essex past and present doing battle with many of the sports stars from across the country, with a good smattering of European entries too.

]]>http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/10/07/arena-essex-orange-tribute-to-legend-terry/feed/0Thurrock swimmers make a splash in open waterhttp://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/10/03/thurrock-swimmers-make-a-splash-in-open-water/
http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/10/03/thurrock-swimmers-make-a-splash-in-open-water/#respondThu, 03 Oct 2013 16:15:26 +0000http://www.yourthurrock.com/?p=56522TWELVE swimmers from Thurrock Swimming Club took part in the first ever Speedo Open Water National Relay event held at INTU Lakeside on 22nd September 2013 with fantastic results. The Thurrock Teams competed in the 4x200m and 4x800m relay events, with the majority of TSC swimming without wetsuits in less than 16 degree water and thoroughly enjoying the event.

]]>TWELVE swimmers from Thurrock Swimming Club took part in the first ever Speedo Open Water National Relay event held at INTU Lakeside on 22nd September 2013 with fantastic results. The Thurrock Teams competed in the 4x200m and 4x800m relay events, with the majority of TSC swimming without wetsuits in less than 16 degree water and thoroughly enjoying the event.

National Titles were at stake and the Junior Male Category title in the 4 x 200m was won by Thurrock Swimmers, Harry Geggus, Danny Patterson, Louie Ridgway and Jack Williams in a time of 13 minutes and 19 Seconds, they were closely followed by teammates Harry Millsom, James Martindale, Lewis Cutting and Eden Astbury in a time of 13 minutes and 55 seconds, who came in at an impressive 4th place, with Harry Millsom making his open water debut for the club.

Fellow Thurrock swimmers Tillie Geggus, Luke Crofts, Jay Pilkington and Azar Aitmarri competed in the 4x800m event and came 8th overall but first in the under 20’s mixed age group with a time of 50 minutes and 9 seconds. Thurrock swimmers had also competed in individual events the previous weekend at INTU Lakeside and again showed Thurrock Swimming Club’s open water swimmers are made of tough stuff, swimming in 14 degree water without wetsuits, Luke Crofts and Lewis Cutting competed in the 750m event and came in joint first in their age group with a time of 11 minutes, 29 seconds, brother and sister open water swimmers Harry and Tillie Geggus competed in the 1500m and finished in 5th and 7th position for their age groups with times of 23 minutes 48 seconds and 25 minutes 03 seconds respectively, finally club welfare officer Lisa Martindale also decided to don her wetsuit and compete in the 1500m coming first in her age group with a time of 35 minutes and 56 seconds, well done to all

]]>http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/10/03/thurrock-swimmers-make-a-splash-in-open-water/feed/0Tennis: Dozens attend key sessions with clubhttp://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/10/01/tennis-dozens-attend-key-sessions-with-club/
http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/10/01/tennis-dozens-attend-key-sessions-with-club/#respondTue, 01 Oct 2013 18:42:25 +0000http://www.yourthurrock.com/?p=56447THE THURROCK Tennis club enjoyed a great summer as a host of youngsters came to learn how to play and how to enjoy tennis. They had 65 youngsters over three weeks with ages ranging from 4 to 16.

]]>http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/10/01/tennis-dozens-attend-key-sessions-with-club/feed/0Speedo “Open Water” National Relays off to a flyerhttp://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/09/23/speedo-open-water-national-relays-off-to-a-flyer/
http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/09/23/speedo-open-water-national-relays-off-to-a-flyer/#respondMon, 23 Sep 2013 07:39:57 +0000http://www.yourthurrock.com/?p=56115INTU Lakeside in Essex hosted the first Speedo Open Water National Relays on Sunday 22nd September and judging by the fantastic response to the innovative concept it is a team event which is likely to grow in popularity in years to come.

INTU Lakeside in Essex hosted the first Speedo Open Water National Relays on Sunday 22nd September and judging by the fantastic response to the innovative concept it is a team event which is likely to grow in popularity in years to come.

Teams of swimming clubs, triathletes and friends of all ages and abilities were cheered on by an enthusiastic crowd from the start with Broomfield Park Masters putting in a fine team performance to come home first in the fiercely contested 4 x 200 metres relay and a non-wetsuited Killerwhales junior team swimming impressively for a convincing win in the 4 x 800 metres relay.

The emphasis was on some end of season fun and this was definitely in abundance but with national honours at stake some serious open water racing was also in evidence.

Organised by TRI Events in partnership with SwimforTri the event was hosted by Intu Lakeside, home of the SwimFesT Series of open water races, and sponsored by Speedo, Powerbar and Strel Swimming Adventures.

]]>http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/09/23/speedo-open-water-national-relays-off-to-a-flyer/feed/0Thurrock Tennis Club looking for the next Andy Murrayhttp://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/07/10/thurrock-tennis-club-looking-for-the-next-andy-murray/
http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/07/10/thurrock-tennis-club-looking-for-the-next-andy-murray/#respondWed, 10 Jul 2013 14:49:50 +0000http://www.yourthurrock.com/?p=53458COULD THE next Andy Murray be in Stifford Clays or Purfleet? Why not go down to Thurrock Lawn Tennis Club to develop your cross court lob or your backhand smash!

]]>http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/07/10/thurrock-tennis-club-looking-for-the-next-andy-murray/feed/0Arena Essex: Reeves big night outhttp://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/06/17/arena-essex-reeves-big-night-out/
http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/06/17/arena-essex-reeves-big-night-out/#respondMon, 17 Jun 2013 08:47:37 +0000http://www.yourthurrock.com/?p=52458ARENA Essex Lightning Rod regular, Chris Reeves has just completed the most successful weekend of his career. Off the back of a win and a second place finish at the long track championships at Lydden Hill on Saturday, Chris won the heat and final at his more regular Thurrock stomping ground on Sunday.

]]>ARENA Essex Lightning Rod regular, Chris Reeves has just completed the most successful weekend of his career. Off the back of a win and a second place finish at the long track championships at Lydden Hill on Saturday, Chris won the heat and final at his more regular Thurrock stomping ground on Sunday.

Sundays Lightning Rod action was frantic with Reeves benefiting from a tangle between Steve Norman and Steve Warren, which opened a gap which was just wide enough for a Ford Sierra to fit. He then successfully defended a spirited attack from Norman for the remainder of the race, with Norman losing a couple of places in the final reckoning courtesy of the meeting steward. Norman was to have a well deserved victory of his own at the end of the meeting with a great drive in the allcomers event. Kiereen Thomas continued his great start to his Lightning Rod career with a heat win before falling fowl of a bit of needle between himself and Scott Pert later in the meeting.

Lauren Overy rediscovered her Arena Essex form with a heat and final double in the Junior Mini Stox. Another racer having a successful weekend, Lauren travelled up to the Midlands the previous evening and came away with a second place finish in the Birmingham Championship, even after admitting that she had completed a heat race with the handbrake on! With no such impediment at Arena Essex she was flying and was rapidly upgraded to the red grade for the last race of the day where she was turfed out of the lead pack by action girl, Sadie Betts. 11 year old Charlie Morphey won that race, plus one earlier in the programme to ensure an upgrading for him is also on the cards.

It looked although the 36 or so National Bangers were attempting to destroy each other on the first lap of heat one as all hell broke loose as soon as the green flag waved. Heavy damage for John Golden ended his day early and then both Haines brothers, Steve and Richard found themselves in trouble with Steve hurting on the infield after a heavy hit in the side and Richard getting followed into the wall hard by Dave Palmer. After a brief stoppage to check them out Reece Brown found himself buried hard on turn one, whilst at the other end of the track Nathan Roberts fired in Liam Friel, putting an end to his day. Jason Jackson raced to the win as the rain began to fall, nature apparently not intending to allow us a fully dry weekend at any point this year.

Heat two, with an understandably depleted field, saw Billy Crittenden on form and destroying Vic Bilky and then Grant Underhill on the pit bend. Georgie Lee took the win.

In the final it was Jamie Harding’s turn to take on the crashing credentials. He waited for victims to pass before taking them on, although Scott Cornish called his bluff on one occasion, crashing him wide. Mark Jackson was showing good spirit, taking in Danny Allen but falling victim to Alfie Lee before rejoining to get crashed by Harding on successive laps. Nathan Roberts took the win.

With the numbers firmly in the favour of the Cream Team it was always going to be tough for any other driver to win the Destruction Derby. Scott Cornish gave it a good go but successive hits from Steve Hackett and Jamie Harding left the car wrecked, although Scott was still trying to move it as the Creams turned on each other. Both Hackett and Roberts sandwiched the car of Harding, completely snapping it at the front end before Hackett and Roberts met in another bruising crash which removed the front wheel of the latter leaving Hackett as the winner.

The next action at Arena Essex is the annual Chick Woodroffe memorial meeting and Festival of Speed on 30th June. The Lightning Rods, Mini Stox, Stock Rods and SuperBangers all see action, together with the popular four man National Banger Team event. With all that racing to cram in, there is a slightly earlier start time of 1pm.

]]>http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/06/17/arena-essex-reeves-big-night-out/feed/0Swimming: Kieron smashes national records!http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/06/11/swimming-kieron-smashes-national-records/
http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/06/11/swimming-kieron-smashes-national-records/#commentsTue, 11 Jun 2013 09:16:04 +0000http://www.yourthurrock.com/?p=52205The journey was definitely well worth it for the talented 11 year old who not only claimed two Gold medals in the 50m and 100m freestyle long course events, but also broke and recorded National records for his age group. Historical record times were 44.06 and 1.57.52 until Kieron broke them both with 39.32 and 1.28.49 respectively.

]]>THURROCK Swimming Club’s Kieron Harris spent his May Bank Holiday Saturday travelling to Loughborough to take part in the 2013 National Deaf Swimming Championships.

The journey was definitely well worth it for the talented 11 year old who not only claimed two Gold medals in the 50m and 100m freestyle long course events, but also broke and recorded National records for his age group.

Historical record times were 44.06 and 1.57.52 until Kieron broke them both with 39.32 and 1.28.49 respectively.

Kieron is no stranger to bringing the medals back to the Thurrock borough having earlier in the year collected two Golds and one Silver in the National Pool, Ponds Forge in Sheffield in the relay, 100 Individual medley and 50 butterfly respectively.

Kieron also competed in the East Essex Triathlon at the beginning of June and came 29th out of 57 competitors in his 11/12 age group and achieved 10th in the swim!

Not to be outshone by his club peer Harry Millsom from Thurrock’s Olympic 2 Squad finished 12th in the Triathlon and 5th in the swim, showing the all round versatility of the Thurrock youngsters.

]]>http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/06/11/swimming-kieron-smashes-national-records/feed/1Arena Essex: Friends and relatives gather for Bob Kitchenerhttp://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/06/03/arena-essex/
http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/06/03/arena-essex/#respondMon, 03 Jun 2013 11:21:25 +0000http://www.yourthurrock.com/?p=51851The final saw a full contact win from Darren Mouser, who despatched several along the way, including David Newman who had a torrid time along the home straight, getting hit several times as he spun in traffic. Jamie Webb lead for much of the distance but eventually went out with a big bang on turn one along with a handful of other cars. As Mouser took the flag his front tyre shredded, with pieces of rubber getting flung into the air. If the race was a lap longer, Grant Underhill would have had the win, as it was he had to settle for second with Paul Harrison third.

]]>THE final memorial meeting for former Banger racer, Bob Kitchener, took place at Arena Essex on Sunday, the friends and relatives who traditionally turn out to race in Bob’s memory having one last blast around the Arena tarmac, along with the Rookie Banger regulars.

Heat one for the class saw two heavy fencings bring about a restart, Dan Gardiner and John Turnball being the victims. Just as the red flag flew Mark Carroll went for a rollover right in front of the starter. A quieter resumption saw Chris Whiteman take the win.

A poorly subscribed heat two saw Darren Mouser causing all sorts of aggro, spinning cars left and right. Jimmy Hughes took the win.

The final saw a full contact win from Darren Mouser, who despatched several along the way, including David Newman who had a torrid time along the home straight, getting hit several times as he spun in traffic. Jamie Webb lead for much of the distance but eventually went out with a big bang on turn one along with a handful of other cars. As Mouser took the flag his front tyre shredded, with pieces of rubber getting flung into the air. If the race was a lap longer, Grant Underhill would have had the win, as it was he had to settle for second with Paul Harrison third.

Just eight cars returned for the Destruction Derby with Mark Carroll putting in a huge hit on Dan Guidotti in the opening seconds, earning himself the most destructive driver award. Greg Cheeseman looked on course for another derby win, slamming his car into reverse to try to protect his engine, but a particularly large hit from Dan Howlett ultimately lead to his downfall. Arny Kucinskas and Paul Harrison slugged it out in the final seconds but at the same time as Kucinskas went up in flames, Harrison had troubles with his harness so the event was declared a tie.

Lee West took an unprecedented four straight wins in the SuperBanger class. Karl Douglas was his closest challenger but couldn’t keep pace and had a damaging spin in one of the events, a rare incident in a rather processional display from the formula.

The Stock Rods saw Steve Gooch take his new car to victory in heat one, although it emerged from the race somewhat battle scarred after Dave Burton caused a chain reaction bump which ultimately earned him a disqualification from the meeting. Richard Haines set a new lap record on his way to victory in the second heat whilst the final went the way of Paul Haralambou, who has finally got his Vauxhall Corsa running as well as the Nova that preceded it. After a torrid 2013 so far, Wayne Shackleford won the allcomers race at the end of the programme.

The next Arena Essex meeting coincides with Fathers Day on 16th June, so there is one present sorted for you! The National Bangers return along with the Lightning Rods and Mini Stox. Start time 1:30pm.

]]>http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/06/03/arena-essex/feed/0Swimming: Thurrock shine in regional qualifiershttp://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/05/29/swimming-thurrock-shine-in-regional-qualifiers/
http://www.yourthurrock.com/2013/05/29/swimming-thurrock-shine-in-regional-qualifiers/#respondWed, 29 May 2013 07:26:30 +0000http://www.yourthurrock.com/?p=51680THURROCK Swimming Club held their yearly Regional Qualifier recently with over 40 of their squad swimmers taking part. What a difference a year makes from the last Regional Qualifier in May 2012, seeing swimmers step up to the mark with an abundance of PB's and medal podium places.

]]>THURROCK Swimming Club held their yearly Regional Qualifier recently with over 40 of their squad swimmers taking part. What a difference a year makes from the last Regional Qualifier in May 2012, seeing swimmers step up to the mark with an abundance of PB’s and medal podium places.

With a packed schedule of events comprising 400m freestyle and 200m in all four strokes, freestyle, butterfly, backstroke and breaststroke, it promised to be an exciting day for spectators with visiting clubs in attendance including Romford, Colchester, London Borough of Redbridge and Brentwood

10 year old Callum Bazella led the medal haul with Gold medals in all of his five races, with fellow squad member Jamie Speers, 10, picking up Silver medals in the 400 freestyle, individual medley, butterfly and topping his medal collection off with a Gold medal in the 200 freestyle. Brian Wong and Kieron Harris picked up Silver and Bronze medals respectively in the 200 freestyle, with Brian adding to his collection by picking up a Bronze medal in the 200 backstroke.

Not to be outdone by their older counterparts, the 9 year olds picked up as many medals. 9 year old Aaron Lambie collected four medals on the day with Gold in 200 individual medley and Silvers in both the 400m freestyle and 200m freestyle and completing his collection with a Bronze in the 200 backstroke. Jack Conroy collected two Gold medals in the 200 breaststroke and 200m backstroke and a Bronze medal in the 400 freestyle, with Harrison Jarvis collecting the Silver in the 200m breaststroke. Robert Buckley also 9 took 5 medals away from the day, 4 of which were Bronze medals.

In the 11 year old age group Sunny Renouldi-Outen, Harry Millsom and Callum McNeil achieved 7 podium places, with Sunny collecting Gold medals in all his three races 400m freestyle, 200m individual medley and 200m freestyle. 11 year old squad swimmer Harry Millsom netted a Silver medal in the 400m freestyle with Callum McNeil winning Bronze medals in both the 400 freestyle and the 200m breaststroke.

12 year olds Azar Aitmarri and Lewis Cutting both celebrated win doubles with Azar collecting Golds in both the 400m freestyle and the 200m freestyle, with Lewis collecting Bronze medals in both the 200m butterfly and 200m backstroke. Fellow training buddies Jay Pilkington and Jack Williams amassed a total of 6 medals between them, Jay collecting Silver medals in both the 400m freestyle and the not so popular 200m butterfly. Completing the medal haul in the 12 year old age group was Jack Williams who managed to successfully amass 3 Gold medals in the 200m individual medley, butterfly and backstroke and a Silver medal in the 200m freestyle.

Last but by no means least the 13 year old boys age group with James Martindale bringing home Gold medals in both the 200m butterfly and 200m backstroke with Remy Tran collecting the Bronze in the 200m backstroke. Increasing the medal collection for the Martindale boys was Andrew collecting Gold and Bronze medals in the 400m freestyle and 200m breaststroke respectively. Louie Ridgway of the National Age Group Squad won Silver medals in 3 of 4 races in the 400m freestyle, butterfly and backstroke. Remaining 13 years competing were Sam Barella and Luke Crofts between them picking up Gold, Silver and Bronze. Luke collected the Gold medal in the 200m individual medley with Sam collecting the Bronze and Luke adding to his collection by securing Silver in the 200m freestyle.

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The girls were not to be outdone by the boys and in total picked up over 34 medals starting with 9 year old Gracie Mae Martin who collected two Gold medals in two races in the 200m freestyle and individual medley, with fellow squad trainer Abbigale Ridgway picking up Gold and Bronze in the 400m freestyle and 200m individual medley respectively. Close second to Abbigale on the 400m freestyle was Abby Smith collecting Silver and also a Bronze medal in the 200m backstroke, with fellow 9 year old Tilly Mayes collecting a Bronze medal in the 200m breaststroke.

The 10 year old girls collected 9 medals starting with Eden Astbury achieving a podium place in her 200m freestyle with a Bronze medal. Storming the medal table for the ten year girls were Rebecca West and Mia Fursedonne who collected 3 Gold and 3 Silvers between them. Rebecca picked up three Gold medals in the 200m freestyle, individual medley and the 400m freestyle with team mate Mia collecting Silvers in the same races. Completing the medal collection for the ten year olds were Megan Williams with a Gold medal in the 200m backstroke and Bronze in the 200m breaststroke and Grace Bell pipping Megan at the post to secure the 200 breaststroke Silver medal.

Seven squad swimmers made up the club’s eleven year old age group entry list and between them they secured over 8 podium places, led by National Age Group Squad swimmer Martine Tran with four races and four medals, Gold in the 200m butterfly and 200m backstroke and completing her medal collection with Bronze medals in the 200m and 400m freestyle duo.

The 200m individual medley was dominated by Thurrock Swimmers with 12 year old Ellen Pegram, Annabel Speers and Willow Parkin picking up Gold, Silver and Bronze respectively. Bethany Byrne, 11, picked up a Silver medal in the not so popular 200m butterfly. Completing her bag of medals, Ellen also collected Silver medals in 400m freestyle, 200m backstroke, and 200m breaststroke with a Bronze medal in the 200m freestyle. Annabel also collected a Bronze medal in her 200m backstroke finishing just hundreds of a second behind her team mate Ellen. Completing the medal collection for the 11 twelve your old girls was Rebecca Honeywell achieving both Gold and Silver in her 200m breaststroke and 400m freestyle respectively.

Completing the programme of age group events was the 13 year old National Age Group swimmer Renae Dawes who collected Gold medals in both her races, the 400m and 200m freestyle duo.

Also competing and achieving placings within the top ten were James Edgings and Remy Tran for the boys and for the girls were Eden Parkin, Somiya Aitmarri, Marnie Dawes, Katie Gilbert, Poppy Rose Ford, Irati Gonzalez-Ruiz and Amy Allen.

All in all a hugely successful day of swimming with over 80 medals collected by the Borough youngsters, with the icing on the cake being that several swimmers achieved Regional Qualifying times for the East Regional Championships to be held in Norwich over the first two weekends of June.